Large Animal

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is relatively widespread in horses; approximately 60 percent of healthy horses harbor the virus. While the more common form of EHV-1 can cause respiratory illness as well as abortion, it is rarely fatal. However, a neurological strain of this virus, also known as equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), can kill 30 to 50 percent of affected horses. That's why it is critical for the California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory to be able to use PCR testing to differentiate between strains.

Researchers have good news for owners selling or managing horses with ostoechondral fragments (OCF) in the hock: A recent study has confirmed that arthroscopic osteochondral fragment removal in horses’ tarsocrural joints via arthroscopy is efficient, quick, and has few postoperative complications.

Thoroughbred racehorses who suffer catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries are more likely to show lameness in the three months leading up to their injury than horses that race without incident, research has shown.

Southern Phantom’s face is entirely white, with mismatched blue and brown eyes. The short answer to why is his coat like that, there is likely a mutation in one or more of the genes involved in pigmentation.

For more than 50 years, Michael Muir (yes, the great-grandson of conservationist John Muir) has been breeding horses with the help of the UC Davis veterinary hospital’s Equine Field Service and Equine Reproduction Service. His unique breed of the Stonewall Sporthorse wins national and international competitions--as well as the hearts of those who find a new lease on life from the therapy they provide.

Have you ever wondered where police horses end up when they retire? Most are adopted out to private sanctuaries or rescue organizations, often times being visited by their former partners. The T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation on the outskirts of Davis houses eight of them.

Preventing injuries in racing and performance horses is a priority for owners, trainers and the professionals who take care of them, not only for the horses’ welfare and well-being, but also for the longevity of their careers.

An undesired consequence of the use of antimicrobial drugs in cattle is the presence of drug residues and/or metabolites in feces and urine, or in the milk of lactating animals. In lactating dairy cattle, this translates into production losses due to withholding of nonsaleable waste milk containing drug residues.

Some eye diseases in horses might be genetically linked, as for example limbal squamous cell carcinoma in Haflingers. UC Davis is currently offering a DNA test for Haflingers to identify individuals with high risk and to apply this information to breeding programs to help nullify the genetic mutation.

A pony which was left with extensive facial burns in a suspected acid attack has undergone pioneering surgery at a Yorkshire horse hospital. Now, in a world first on a horse, vets have applied dressings made from the skin of tilapia fish to the wounds.